Fire forced seven people from their home early Friday morning.
The Chattanooga Fire Department received the alarm at 2:39 a.m. and responded to 1122 Garfield St. with four fire companies.
Jeorge Ramirez told firefighters that they smelled smoke and heard a smoke alarm, so everyone still asleep in bed was alerted and all of the occupants got out of the house uninjured.
Chattanooga firefighters arrived moments later to find fire at the rear of the house on the back porch. The fire was beginning to penetrate into the wall and roof above, but the firefighters put the blaze out before it could cause much damage to the interior of the house. The loss was estimated at around $15,000.
Lt. Henry McElvain with the Fire Investigation Division said the meter had to be pulled on the house, which meant the residents had to find another place to stay. Volunteers with the American Red Cross were contacted to provide assistance to the victims.
Lt. McElvain said the residents were renting the house, but did not have renter's insurance. The cause of the fire is undetermined and under investigation.